Brand refrigeration equipment Atlant famous for its reliability and durability, however, even the most advanced equipment requires regular maintenance. Many owners neglect preventive cleaning until foreign odors or frost appear, which can lead to increased energy consumption and reduced compressor life. Proper and timely cleaning allows you to maintain optimal temperature conditions inside the chambers.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely and effectively carry out general cleaning of your unit. You will learn which products are best suited for plastic and metal, how to remove old stains and get rid of unpleasant odor without using aggressive chemicals.
Regular care of internal surfaces and the outer casing is the key to the hygiene of stored products. You should not wait for scheduled defrosting if you notice contamination; it is better to carry out local cleaning immediately so that dirt does not become embedded in the structure of the materials.
Preparation for washing and defrosting
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to completely empty the chambers of food. Consider in advance where to place perishable supplies, especially if the cleanup process takes longer. All removable shelves, vegetable drawers and containers should be removed from the housing for a separate wash.
Once the space is freed, unplug the appliance from the power supply. This is a critical step for your safety, as moisture on electrical contacts can cause a short circuit. Leave the doors open to allow the evaporator to defrost naturally.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects, knives or scrapers to chip ice. The plastic of the evaporator in models Atlant is quite fragile, and its damage will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
To speed up the process, you can put a pan with warm (not hot!) water inside. Hot water can damage plastic parts, so keep an eye on the temperature. While the thawing process is underway, start preparing cleaning solutions.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Choosing safe cleaning products
Modern household chemicals offer many options, but for food chambers it is better to use proven traditional methods or specialized sprays. Aggressive abrasive powders can leave micro-scratches on glossy plastic, in which bacteria can subsequently multiply.
The optimal solution is to use a solution of baking soda or a mild soap composition. Soda perfectly neutralizes odors and degreases surfaces without leaving toxic residues. Special polishes are suitable for the outside of a stainless steel case.
- 🧼 A solution of laundry soap is a universal means for removing greasy deposits.
- 🍋 Citric acid - helps remove yellowness and disinfects surfaces.
- 🌿 Vinegar water - effective against mold and strong odors.
If you prefer ready-made store-bought products, choose those labeled “for food surfaces” or “chlorine-free.” After treatment with any chemical composition, you must thoroughly wipe all elements with a clean, damp cloth.
The process of washing the internal chambers
Always start cleaning from the top shelves, gradually going down. This will prevent drained dirt from re-contaminating already washed areas. Carefully wipe the corners and joints of the panels, where dust and mold most often accumulate.
Pay special attention sealing rubber bands on the doors. It is in the folds of rubber that bacteria and fungus most often settle. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or vinegar solution to remove black deposits.
Wash glass shelves under running water. If they have dried-on stains, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Do not place cold glass directly under hot water - temperature shock can lead to cracks.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Greasey coating | Soda solution or soap | Sponge |
| Mold in rubber | Hydrogen peroxide | Cotton swab |
| Yellowness of plastic | Lemon juice | Soft cloth |
| Stickers and glue | Vegetable oil | Plastic scraper |
After washing all surfaces, be sure to wipe them dry. Residual moisture can cause the formation of new ice immediately after turning on the device.
Care for the No Frost system and drainage
Owners of models with the system No Frost or Frost Free also need to carry out preventive maintenance, although manual defrosting is required less often. The main task here is to clean the drainage hole through which the condensate escapes.
Clogged drainage is a common cause of the appearance of a puddle under the refrigerator or inside the lower chamber. To clean, use a special brush or soft wire wrapped in rags. Carefully push the instrument inside the canal.
How to check the patency of the drainage
Pour a small amount of water (about 50 ml) into the hole. If the water leaves quickly and does not stagnate at the bottom of the chamber, then the system is functioning properly.
It is also worth checking the evaporator area if the design of your model Atlant allows you to get to it without disassembling the case. Remove dust from the fan and heater if they are visibly dirty, using a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the back wall inside the chamber, be extremely careful. In some models, there are elements of the defrosting system, damage to which will disrupt the operating cycle of the unit.
Cleaning the external surface and fittings
The appearance of the refrigerator is the face of your kitchen. The stainless steel case requires delicate handling: move along the grain of the metal to avoid streaks. For glossy white plastic, use products with an antistatic effect.
Door handles and control buttons are the places we touch most often. This is where the largest number of microbes accumulate. Wipe them with disinfectant wipes or an alcohol solution daily.
- 🚫 Do not use acetone or solvents to remove stains on plastic.
- 🚫 Avoid getting water on the control panel and in the gaps between the doors.
- 🚫 Do not place on the lid refrigerator hot objects or sources of open fire.
If persistent dirt appears on the body, try using a melamine sponge. It works like an eraser, removing dirt without chemicals, but it is better to test it on an inconspicuous area.
Eliminating unpleasant odors
Even after thorough washing, a specific smell may remain in the refrigerator, especially if spoiled food has been lying there for a long time. Mechanical cleaning does not always remove odor molecules absorbed into plastic.
Use natural absorbers to neutralize odors. Activated carbon, baking soda in an open container, or freshly ground coffee do an excellent job of this. Place them on the shelves for a day after cleaning.
There are also special devices - air ionizers, which not only remove odors, but also slow down the spoilage of food. However, for one-time prevention, folk methods are sufficient.
If a burning or chemical smell appears suddenly, this may indicate technical problems, such as overheating of the compressor or melting of wire insulation. In this case immediately turn off the device and call a specialist.
Frequent errors during maintenance
Many users make typical mistakes that